horrific

adjective

hor·rif·ic hȯ-ˈri-fik

hä-

Synonyms of horrific next

: having the power to horrify

a horrific account of the tragedy

horrifically

hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē

hä-

adverb

Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Recent Examples on the Web The new policy — which will put $2 million into the e-bike exchange program — is aimed at addressing a series of horrific fires in recent years that were caused by faulty e-bike batteries. —

Michael Gartland, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024 In his early appearances at the convention, Mr. Trump himself appeared traumatized by his horrific near-death experience. —

Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 22 July 2024 Until the left takes responsibility for that and stops coddling the mob, there will only be more and more political violence — until the next horrific event. —

Shaun McCutcheon, The Mercury News, 20 July 2024 The blazes are a reminder of last summer's horrific wildfire season, Canada's worst on record by far. —

Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for horrific

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'horrific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of horrific was in 1653

See more words from the same year